Friday, October 26, 2012

Whohoo! A Kirkus Star for Sled Ride!

A young girl’s first-person narration brings a New England sled ride to life.But
this isn’t just any sled ride. Inspired by ice-crusted snow, Grampa
Bud’s yarns of his childhood and a giant homemade double-runner sled,
seven friends set out to conquer the “highest, mightiest, iciest
sledding hill.” Rule lengthens out one sled run into an entire book, but
its pace is not slow and clunky, nor does it drag. Instead, she marvels
in the details along the way, building up the suspense. Comically, the
children attempt to get themselves and the sled to the top of the hill,
taking each other out like dominoes as they relentlessly and repeatedly
slide down to form a pig pile at the bottom. When they finally manage
it, Thermes beautifully conveys the awesomeness of the hill they have
chosen to tackle; none of the kids will speak their fears aloud, though
their faces say volumes. The trip down is accomplished in just a few
spreads, a ride so fast that tears, fears, screams and laughter all get
whipped, “like a beautiful scarf trailing wildly behind.” The
watercolors give a wonderful array of viewpoints, showing the path of
the sled run as well as close-ups of the children: fresh-faced and
having the time of their lives.Parents beware: Children are likely to scout out the highest hill to try to replicate this amazing run. (Picture book. 4-8)